Physical Health

Post-Deployment Health Readiness Assessment
The Post-Deployment Health Readiness Assessment, or PDHRA, is a health assessment that is conducted at the 90 Day Drill following demobilization at your unit. The PDHRA is important for you to attend.
For more information contact the PDHRA Program Manager, visit www.virtualarmory.com/mobiledeploy/PDHRA

Dental Exam
You are eligible for a free dental exam through the VA Medical System. You need to apply for the dental exam at your nearest VA Hospital (See reference) WITHIN 180 DAYS of De-Mobilization to be eligible for the free Dental Exam. Once you have applied for the Dental Exam – You then have two years to go and receive your dental exam.
Reference: VA Medical Center -- Facilities Locator & Directory

LINE OF DUTY issues
If you had a Line of Duty while being deployed, you will be assigned a case manager who will monitor your medical/dental health as it relates to your LOD. All LOD issues will be looked at and discussed at the PDHRA (See “a” above) If repeated follow-up care is needed, you may be referred to your nearest VA Medical center for future care.
Referance: J1 Medical, J1 Dental, VA Medical -- Facilities Locator & Directory

Disability issues
If you believe you have a disability from being deployed on Title 10 status, you should contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). The CVSO can help you through the process of filing a VA disability claim. There is a Veteran’s Service Officer in each county in the state of Arizona.
www.hooah4health.com

• Blurry or double vision
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Difficulty finding words or understanding the speech of others
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of memory
• Sleep difficulties (more or less sleep than pre-injury)
• Tingling, numbness, pain, or other sensations
• Sense of spinning (vertigo )
• Weakness in one or more limbs, facial muscles, or on an entire side of the body

A medical examination is recommended for TBI symptoms.
Reference: VA claims, VA Medical Center -- Facilities Locator & Directory, Tricare, www.braininjurymn.org
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC)

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis (LEASH-ma-NIGH-a-sis) is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms of leishmaniasis. The most common forms are cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores, and visceral leishmaniasis, which affects some of the internal organs of the body (for example, spleen, liver, bone marrow).

CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS: People who have cutaneous leishmaniasis have one or more sores on their skin. The sores can change in size and appearance over time. They often end up looking somewhat like a volcano, with a raised edge and central crater.

VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS: People who have visceral leishmaniasis usually have fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver (usually the spleen is bigger than the liver). Some patients have swollen glands. Certain blood tests are abnormal.

TREATMENT: If you suspect you are infected with leishmaniasis, consult a physician. There are treatments available for leishmaniasis. You will need to inform your physician that you were in a combat zone known to have leishmanisis. They may need to call the CDC (Center for Disease Control) to obtain information on treatment.

Referance: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/leishmania or www.pdhealth.mil/leish.asp

TB is a potentially severe contagious disease that is spread from person to person through the air. The TB germs may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sneezes. Anyone nearby can breathe TB germs into their lungs. People with TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. However, they may develop TB disease at some time in the future. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. If people have TB disease, they need medical help. If they don't get help, they can die.

At your 90 day Reintegration event, you will receive a TB tine test that will detect if you have TB.  If you test positive for TB, then you will be directed by the State Surgeon’s office on what to do.   (See PDHRA above.)

Mental/Emotional Health

Knowing When You Need Help

• Am I feeling worse – or not any better – as time passes?
• Am I unable to do my job in the way it needs to be done?
• Is my family suffering because of the way I am acting?
• Am I drinking more alcohol that usual?
• Am I using/abusing drugs?
• Am I having trouble sleeping, or wanting to sleep to much?
• Have I had these problems for more than a few weeks?

Getting Help

• PERFORM SELF/BUDDY ASSESSMENT – Ask a battle buddy/friend if you are acting differently than you used to.  If those who know you best tell you things are very different, listen to them.   The first step is to recognize you need help, then . . .
• ASK FOR HELP – It’s okay to seek help.  You can utilize a medical treatment facility, counseling services, VA Vets Center, Military One Source, etc.  (reference page(s))
• IT’S NEVER TOO LATE – to seek help.  A person can go months, even years, without experiencing any physical/mental/emotional health issues.  If something triggers depression, anxiety, or other stress reactions within you later in life, again, ASK FOR HELP. 

 Reference:  VA Vet Center, CVSO, VA Medical Center --Facilities Locator & Directory , outpatient clinics, TriCare. www.militarymentalhealth.org

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape. Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. However, some people will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged, and these symptoms can be severe enough and last long enough to significantly impair the person's daily life.

Reference: www.ncptsd.va.gov; 1-800-862-1799 AZ Mental Health Assoc; www.nimh.nih.gov

Combat Operational Stress (COS)
COS is characterized by acute and chronic stress faced by those who have experienced combat.   Combat Operational Stress differs from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has specific methods that returning veterans need to know in order to adapt.

Reference:  1-800-ALCOHOL, press “1” to talk with a real person;  inpatient services/detox – Vets Center, Phoenix VA Med Center In-Patient clinic -- Facilities Locator & Directory,  M.O.S., Alcoholics Anonymous

Drug (Hotline: 877-4-DRUG-ABUSE/437-8422)
You may have experienced some terrific “adrenaline highs” while being deployed.  Your desire to replace those “highs” shouldn’t lead you to Drug Abuse.   Methamphetamine or “Meth”, Cocaine and Crack Cocaine are very dangerous replacements for the adrenaline high you may have experienced.  

Reference to AZ Hotlines, Substance abuse facilities in the state, VA Vets Center --Facilities Locator & Directory

Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center
Substance Abuse Treatment Program
650 East Indian School Road
Building 4
Phoenix AZ 85012
(602) 277-5551 Ext 7640

Sexual Trauma

Help is available for returning veterans that need help combating any type of sexual trauma. Contact the Veteran Affairs Medical Center -- Facilities Locator & Directory  near you for immediate assistance.

Suicide Awareness

1-800-SUICIDE/784-2433
1-800-273-TALK

If you or your battle buddy are experiencing any of the following symptoms related to suicide, PLEASE CALL THE SUICIDE HOTLINE.   It takes a strong Soldier to ask for help, AND ASKING FOR HELP IS OKAY.

• Appears depressed: sad, tearful, and/or hopeless
• Does not eat or exhibits a poor appetite
• Constantly tired
• Threatens suicide
• Talks about wanting to die
• Shows changes in behavior, appearance, or mood that are negative or self-depreciating
• Abuses drugs, alcohol
• Deliberately injures self
• Gives away possessions

Provide AID:
• Ask. Do not be afraid to ask “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
• Intervene immediately.
• Do not keep it a secret.

Follow the acronym LIFE:
• Locate help 1-800-SUICIDE (chaplain, doctor, nurse, friend, family, crisis line, hospital emergency room).
• Inform someone immediately.
• Find someone to stay with the person—do not leave him or her alone.
• Expedite (get help immediately. A suicidal person needs prompt attention by professionals).

Reference Page – Hotline, VA Vets Centers, VA Medical Centers --Facilities Locator & Directory , local Hospital, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

Some warning signs of a gambling problem might include:
 

• Looking for the "high" that comes from gambling
• Increasing isolation from family and friends
• Declining work performance
• Neglecting basic needs like money for food and rent
• Pressuring others for money as financial problems arise
• Lying about how money is spent
• Escaping to other excesses (alcohol, drugs, sleep)
• Denying there is a problem
• Borrowing/stealing money (credit cards) to gamble

GAMANON Information: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe 480-275-0921 or 480-275-0924